The Parliament of Ghana has finally passed the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly referred to as the anti-gay bill, following the adoption of amendments, reigniting a fierce debate between cultural sovereignty and human rights as activists, religious leaders and ordinary Ghanaians brace for the social and international fallout.
The legislation, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ activities, was approved with exemptions that shield certain individuals and institutions from sanctions under the law.
Under the amended bill, persons who offer legal advice or legal representation to individuals identified as LGBTQ will not face punishment.
Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related matters or current affairs in the course of their professional duties are also exempted.
In addition, medical professionals, including those providing surgical, psychological, counselling, or other healthcare services to LGBTQ persons, will not be penalised under the legislation.
The passage of the anti-LGBTQ bill is more than a domestic political story.
It reflects a widening global clash between conservative social values and international human rights standards playing out across parts of Africa.
For supporters, the legislation is seen as a defence of family values, religion and national identity against what many describe as foreign cultural influence.
For critics, it represents one of the harshest crackdowns on LGBTQ rights in Africa, with fears it could deepen stigma, silence advocacy groups and isolate vulnerable communities.
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
